The Evangelical Studies Unit promotes critical analysis and innovative thinking around the study of Evangelicalism through multifaceted approaches by fostering dialogue across disciplines and diverse social locations. Unlike many groups aimed at the study of Evangelicalism, there is no confessional expectation or requirement for membership or participation within this Unit.
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Evangelical Studies Unit
Call for Proposals
Theme for 2023: Evangelicals and the Work of Their Hands
The Evangelical Studies Unit invites proposals for individual papers or complete panels related to the presidential theme, the Work of Our Hands. We welcome papers exploring how this theme manifests within evangelical theology, history, culture, politics, practice, activism, and/or social vision, and are particularly interested in projects that offer constructive and synthetic approaches to suggest new directions for the study of evangelicalism.
Possible framing questions include: How does the spiritual emphasis of evangelical theology navigate the materiality of the world (e.g., poverty, embodiment, social justice, race, labor, land, money, etc.)? How have evangelicals negotiated the tensions of their desire to be in but not of their cultures? And how have they distinguished the boundaries of cultural engagement, stewardship, and appropriation?
We welcome research related to evangelicals and various ways of defining “work” using a wide array of spiritual, physical, cultural, and technological resources. Examples of sub-themes include:
- Distinctions between Spiritual & Material, Public & Private
- Mission & Evangelism
- Social Justice Work
- The Social Gospel Movement
- Labor
- Land & Immigration
- Capitalism
- Embodiment
- Race
- Sexuality
- Art
Statement of Purpose
Co-Sponsoring
Chairs
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Peter Choi, Graduate Theological Union1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
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Jessica Wong, Azusa Pacific University1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
Steering Committee Members
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Kristen Deede Johnson, Western Theological Seminary1/1/2020 - 12/31/2025
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Helen Jin Kim, Emory University1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
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Emily McGowin, Wheaton College1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
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Soong-Chan Rah, Fuller Theological Seminary1/1/2023 - 12/31/2028
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Gabriela Viesca, George Fox University1/1/2019 - 12/31/2024
Method
PAPERS
Other
Names of authors remain anonymous to the steering committee and co-chairs during the review process, but, out of consideration for diversity, access, and inclusion, will be visible to co-chairs during session construction.
Our approach to evaluating proposals in this manner is part of our effort to broaden participant diversity, while, at the same time, mitigating partiality in the review process. While not ideal, this approach remains helpful for the time being, especially as the Evangelical Studies Unit continues to correct for its long history of being dominated by white men who took a more traditional approach to the subject.
Review Process
Proposer names are visible to chairs but anonymous to steering committee members